Where do you stand at the beginning of another Lent?
When people think of Lent, they often think of sacrifice. What should I give up this year? Some choose to forgo chocolate or alcohol; others take a break from social media. Lent is frequently seen as a time to break bad habits or to reject something that stirs our conscience.
Lent is not about waging a battle between virtue and vice, nor is it a personal “self-improvement project” or a second chance at our already-forgotten New Year’s resolutions. Instead, it is a time set aside to rediscover who we are—and whose we are. It is a time to return to our relationship with Jesus.
Does God really care how much candy I eat? Or whether I keep up with my friends’ social media posts? What God does care about is whether I love—not just those closest to me but those on the margins. God cares whether I help feed the hungry, build relationships in my community, and spend time in prayer and worship.
Lent is not merely a season of self-denial; it is a season of reordering—of aligning our desires, habits, and way of living to seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. It is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the God who longs for a relationship with us. Maybe this year, you are invited to take up a new practice—of service, prayer, or regular time of reflection.
This Lent, rather than dwelling in guilt over chocolates and screen time, I invite you to look toward a world longing for compassion and toward the God who desires a deeper friendship with you.
At St. Paul’s, there are many ways to walk this Lenten journey together. I invite you to choose one, two, or several practices of study, service, or prayer and step into this sacred season with us.
I invite you into a Holy Lent.
Peace,
The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector